San Jose

Swimming Pool Access Control System, Cabo Roig Spain

The Challenge

When the supplier of electronic access control to a San Jose community swimming pool in Spain went into liquidation, it became impossible for the community to replace faulty electronic key fobs or to issue new ones. Over time the number of faulty key fobs increased, and eventually the pool had to be left open. This created an opportunity for people who paid nothing toward pool maintenance to use it, together with thieves and vandals.
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Consulting Smart was asked to resolve the issue in the most cost effective manner possible.

Our Approach

Consultancy & Implementation
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We approached the manufacturer of the existing access system for replacement keys, but were advised that they only supplied registered distributors. These were provided with a unique distributor number to which each system was registered. Only authorised distributors with a number could purchase key fobs that would work with the existing system. As the existing system registration had lapsed, the suppler offered to sell it for 20,000 euros.
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We undertook some research on alternative systems and recommended a replacement, with the added feature of key management software to enable the community to revoke access by disabling individual key fobs. This cost a fraction of the 20,000 euros the existing manufacturer had quoted for a distributorship.
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We informed the Vice President of the community, that a provincial judgment that found in favour of a community that had withdrawn access to the pool for a property owner that had fallen into arrears with their community fees. The Judge found that as it was written into the Community Statutes that the community had acted lawfully. As recommended our client voted on the inclusion of this term into the Community Statutes which was passed unanimously.

The Result

Our client now effectively manages pool access and has the capability to temporarily disable key fobs without actually having the fob in their possession. As a result they have seen:
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Arrears fall

Cash flow improve

Witnessed better social behavior at all times in all areas of the community

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Whilst the fobs are no more expensive than the previous version, around €5.00, due to the high number of lost fobs previously the community charged a €50 refundable deposit for each fob. This is also included in the Community Statutes and is to cover cost of replacement and administrative costs.
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The community is considering offering water proof wristbands to owners as an option with a lower deposit, as they are less likely to be lost or damaged by water